High-resolution satellite imagery has confirmed the precision of India’s airstrike on Pakistan’s Murid Airbase, conducted on May 10, 2025, during Operation Sindoor. The mission was launched in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives and was traced by Indian authorities to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Imagery from Maxar Technologies, analyzed by geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon of The Intel Lab, reveals a significant munition crater just 30 meters from the entrance of a suspected underground facility at Murid. This level of precision indicates a deliberate strategy on India’s part to signal capability without escalating to full-scale war. Analysts interpret this strike as a calibrated message aimed at strategic assets while avoiding direct hits on highly sensitive military infrastructure.
Murid Airbase serves as a critical hub for Pakistan’s combat drone operations and was one of eight airbases targeted by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor. This operation followed India’s earlier airstrikes on May 7, which focused on terror launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). These actions marked a notable escalation in response to cross-border terrorism, leading Pakistan to suspend the Simla Agreement, close its airspace, and impose trade restrictions with India.
Symon’s expertise in open-source intelligence (OSINT) has been crucial in addressing disinformation related to the conflict. His findings have gained traction in Indian media, effectively countering Pakistani assertions of minimal damage. His analysis of the satellite imagery suggests that the site targeted at Murid may have connections to missile guidance or command systems, potentially forming part of a broader weapons infrastructure with final assembly at Nur Khan Airbase.
While India has maintained official silence regarding the full extent of the damage, the release of satellite imagery affirms the effectiveness of its precision airstrike capabilities. By refraining from providing detailed assessments, India appears to be preserving its diplomatic options while showcasing its military readiness.
The airstrike on Murid Airbase highlights the increasing significance of satellite-based verification and OSINT in modern warfare. As regional tensions persist, global attention remains focused on South Asia, with rising international calls for restraint and dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
